A scheme to help young people develop into young citizens who will go on to make a difference in the world is returning.

The Bar and Bat Mitzvah programme run by Prestwich-based organisation The Fed will return in October.

The initiative, praised by parents, teaches young people how to help their local community through fun based activities.

Children take part in monthly activities throughout the school year through which they learn to be aware of the difficulties faced by others in the community.

And this year the programme will run face-to-face after going virtual during lockdown.

Adele Whelan’s son, Nadav, took part in Bar and Bat Mitzvah last year.

She said: “I wanted him to understand that charity should always be a first priority, and that not all kids are as fortunate as him to be able to celebrate their bar or bat mitzvah. I wanted him to learn that to receive, you must also give back to others.

“He really looked forward to all the meetings and learned a lot from the topics they discussed, culminating with him raising money by doing a 5km sponsored walk every day for 30 days.”

Project leader, Natasha Sarak, said: "The programme offers a gateway for young people to gain a better understanding of charity and communal responsibility.

“They’ll see some of our work at Heathlands and across the community first-hand, but at the same time I’ll be making sure they have loads of fun!”

The charity-based project was introduced in 2019 by The Fed's Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Raphi Bloom, he said: “I am delighted we’re running the programme again.

"In partnership with many parents, we recognised there was a demand, from B’nei Mitzvah and their families, for the provision of an immersive Jewish charity-based project, that would allow young people to experience how we meet the community’s needs - from cradle to grave. I am proud The Fed can provide this.”

This year, The Fed's NextGen Volunteer Project Co-ordinator, Dan Jeffries, will be joining Project leader, Natasha Sarak to help with the running of the sessions and monthly activities.

Young people can take part in these to learn more about the work of The Fed and how they can be active participants in improving their community and helping those in need.

Michael Marks, daughter, Dahlia was also a participant last year, Michael said: "We sought out ways that she could do something to celebrate and to help the community at the same time.

“We knew about the amazing work The Fed does and felt that this was a chance for her to understand more about the community and raise some vital funds for such a wonderful cause as well."

For more information about the project ring Natasha on 0161 772 4800 or email natasha.sarak@thefed.org.uk